Visiting a Japanese castle is one thing that can’t be omitted from your Kyoto itinerary. Kyoto is at the heart of the Kansai region, which was historically one of the most fought over lands during the feudal area of Japan.  During the volatile Senogoku era (1477 – 1573) warring samurai lords built numerous fortresses around Kansai to help protect their territories or claim them after battles, resulting in an abundance of castles in the area. Sadly, many of the elaborate wood and stone structures built by samurai were later destroyed during the Meiji era (1868 – 1912). In the 20th century, Japan made a move to quickly preserve what was left of the Japanese castles in the country, as well as to reconstruct many of them to preserve Japanese history and culture. That means when you see a Japanese castle today, the castle you will be seeing will often be a reconstruction, but not always.

In the Kansai region, near Kyoto, there are two castles that survived the era of destruction; Himeji Castle and Hikone Castle. Only twelve castles in the whole of Japan have preserved their original form, and Kansai has two! They, as well as Nijo Castle, really are a must-see in Kyoto.

In addition to those incredible examples, several more castles have undergone painstaking rebuilding and are truly worth seeing. You may not have enough time to see all the Japanese castles we mention. However, we encourage you to visit at least one or two. They’re a fascinating way of discovering more about Japan’s past cultures and traditions firsthand!

Nijo Castle is the best Japanese castle to visit if you want to dive into history without leaving the city. You can easily get to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Station. All you have to do is take the Karasuma Subway to Karasuma-Oike Station where you will need to change onto the Tozai Line that will drop you at Nijojo-mae Station. The Nijojo-mae Station is right next to the castle so you won’t have far to go once you get off the train. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden which is another must-see in Kyoto.

The construction of Nijo Castle began in 1601 and took twenty-five years to complete. It was originally the residence of the Tokugawa shogunate who ruled from there until the castle became imperial property in the Meiji era. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle consists of the opulent Ninomaru Palace, the slightly less grandiose Honmaru Palace, acres of elaborate gardens and two rings of fortified and moated walls.

At the castle’s entrance is an outstanding example of a karamon gate, but what piques visitor’s curiosity most about Nijo Castle are its famous nightingale floors. The wooden floors in the castle emit a bird-like chirping when they are walked on. While legend says the noise was used to alert the castle’s inhabitants of intruders, modern-day experts believe the sound, made by nails in the floor joints, was created by accident. Intentional or accidental, this unusual chirping is something you have to hear for yourself!

When someone asks us what to do in Japan, we have to recommend taking a day trip from Kyoto to Himeji Castle. It’s hard to imagine just how beautiful Himeji Castle is unless you see it for yourself. Even photographs don’t do this castle, often considered the best surviving example of a quintessential Japanese castle, justice.

Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron or White Egret castle due to its brilliant white exterior facade and structure’s resemblance to a bird taking flight, is an elaborate castle structure that sits high up on Himeyama hill overlooking the city it’s named after. There has been a fortress in that same location since the 14th century, but the existing building dates from the early 17th century. Having survived wars and earthquakes, it is one of the oldest and best preserved examples of a Japanese castle in the country.

When you go to visit Himeji Castle you need to go prepared with either some socks or soft slippers. It’s not permitted to enter the castle in outdoor footwear in case the heels of your shoes damage the wooden floors. You may also need to queue to get in as it is the most visited castle in Japan. If you want to plan ahead of arriving, you can check waiting times to enter on the castle’s official website.

The train ride between Kyoto and Himeji, located in Hyogo prefecture, takes around ninety minutes, or forty-five minutes to an hour on the Shinkansen bullet train. If you have a Japan Rail Pass then the Shinkansen is the fastest option. Once you are in Himeji, it takes about fifteen minutes to walk to the castle from the station.

Hikone Castle is another of the twelve castles in Japan which has survived intact since its construction. That means Hikone Castle has been occupying the same spot on a hill in Hikone City in Shiga prefecture since 1622. That’s a long time, but the castle has been regularly renovated and remains in pristine condition.

The interior of Hikone Castle is not as opulent as the palaces in the Nijo Castle, but as you wander through the tatami rooms, it will give you a better idea of how the samurai actually lived. There are also exhibition rooms with displays of armor, clothing and general artifacts related to the era which are of particular interest. The gardens are another favorite spot to enjoy the annual blooming of the cherry trees.

The JR train from Kyoto to Hikone takes around an hour while the Shinkansen takes just twenty-five minutes. From Hikone Station to Hikone Castle is a fifteen minute stroll along a straight street so you have no need to worry about getting lost on the way.